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An exhibition at Mary Washington's duPont Gallery showcases art by museum professionals Date published: 10/29/2009
BY BRYNN BOYER
Museums house more than works of art--they also are home to professionals who create their own art. The "Art Museum Artists" exhibition at Mary Washington's duPont Gallery is a way for viewers to encounter the varying works by just such museum employees. "It's an unexpected window into the museum world," said Anne Timpano, director of UMW Galleries. All the pieces in the exhibit are from people who live the dual life of artist and museum professional. Jessica Braiterman, an education technician at the Freer and Sackler galleries at the Smithsonian, has two mixed media pieces in the exhibit. Umbrella frames wrapped in yellow yarn seem to crawl down the wall and onto the gallery floor, as if trying to stage a takeover of the exhibit. Braiterman's installation piece, "Mutation," is haphazard yet purposeful, and stands in contrast to the more traditional photography and oil paintings on the wall. One such photo, Jeffrey Allison's "Movin On Up," is striking in its simplicity. Focused on a dilapidated, rusty motel sign, Allison's photograph is at once nostalgic and mournful. Like several other artists in this show, Allison is a museum educator--and each piece is influenced by the artists' experiences in the museum setting. "We wanted to offer an exposure to a range of creativity in museum professionals, and the wide range of professions in museums," Timpano said. "The exhibit grew from that idea." One particularly engaging piece is Caryl Burtner's "Flowers," composed of three rows of clear plastic bags, each with a black-and-white magazine picture and dried flowers. Burtner has written a description of each occasion she received the flowers in each picture, giving the viewer various literal snapshots of her life. Overall, "Art Museum Artists" is a unique look into those whose own work is often overshadowed by the work they curate. "While the often hectic pace of the museum environment induces some to abandon their own artistic work, others persevere in their calling to make art," Timpano said in her curatorial statement. "Achieving balance between the challenging demands of museum and artistic careers is difficult and requires an enormous amount of self discipline and energy." The exhibit gives viewers a chance to engage with a collection of paintings, photographs and mixed media works that is thought provoking and multifaceted. Brynn Boyer: 540/374-5000, ext. 5779
Date published: 10/29/2009
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